Derby College’s residential accommodation for students who live at the Broomfield Hall campus has again been praised by Ofsted inspectors and graded ‘outstanding’.

Ofsted Inspectors visited last month – scrutinising the overall experiences and progress of young people, how well they are helped and protected and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

All areas were given the top rating – echoing the ‘Outstanding’ grades that the College’s residential accommodation received at the previous inspection in October 2014.

Up to 30 students aged 16 and above live at the Broomfield Hall campus in Morley at any one time – studying on a wide range of courses based at Broomfield including Animal Care, Equine, Agriculture, Horticulture, Public Services and Sport.

Accommodation is provided for students throughout term time in single study-bedrooms with communal lounges and kitchens and meals are provided on the campus.

Residential Wardens are on duty at all times and the students have access to a wide range of leisure facilities as well as organised events.

The report, published by Ofsted this week, highlights:

– A highly effective leadership team which provides clear direction and continually strives to develop the service

– Feedback from young people that they enjoyed the residential provision and benefited greatly from being part of a small residential community with access to the ‘excellent resources that a large college offers’

– Students also said it was a friendly college that they would recommend to their friends and that they appreciated the residential team

– Inspectors said that staff were well supported with high standards of training and saw themselves in the role of a good parent

– Raising mental health awareness has been a focus with the emotional wellbeing of young people seen as a high priority

– There was also a strong health and safety system with excellent safeguarding practice

The Ofsted Inspectors said: “Young people are positive about student and residential life. They say that they ‘love the wardens’. They report feeling safe in residence and well cared for.

“Young people quickly settle into residential life and make friends. Transitions from the college are very well supported. This helps young people into higher education, training, apprenticeships or employment.

“Young people make good academic progress. Support from the wardens helps with this. Access to learning and study resources are excellent. Young people have access to excellent individual support.

Derby College’s Head of Broomfield Hall Eileen Swan said: “We are obviously delighted with another glowing report into the residential provision at the College and my thanks and congratulations go to everyone involved.

“Our role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these young people who want to come to Broomfield to access our range of specialist courses but who live too far away to travel here every day.

“The Ofsted report shows that we are achieving just that and, that with the wide range of support and enrichment programmes in place, are preparing these young people for the next stage of their lives – whether that be work, apprenticeships or higher education.”